Nepal Tells India to Shut Down Its Field-Office

KATHMANDU, Nepal   (NNN-Xinhua) -- The government of Nepal has asked the reluctant India to immediately close its field-office, which was basically opened to assist the flood victims in Biratnagar, a town in eastern Terai plains in 2008.

"We have asked the Indian government through diplomatic cables to shut down the field-office, as it is no more relevant," Nepal's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha was quoted as saying by Republica daily on Friday.

Despite Nepal's several requests, India, reportedly, has not shown interest to close the office, which facilitated vehicular movements in the past following the aftermath of Koshi river floods in the eastern Terai.

Earlier in January 2011, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote a letter to the Indian Embassy about the necessity to close the office. With no response in hand, Nepali side had to remind the Indian side for the closure of the office again.

"In spite of several directives from the Nepali side, it is surprising that the Indian side has been dilly-dallying to shut down the office," said a Foreign Ministry official.

"Initially, the field-office was based near Koshi Barrage on Nepal-India border, before it was relocated to Biratnagar. While transferring the office, India did not seek the consent of Nepal," the official added.

India has been a key development partner of Nepal. However, its non-compliance with Nepali legal system often creates rift between the two countries. While Nepal shares the northern border with China, it shares the southern border with India. -- NNN-XINHUA